Newcastle need reinforcements up front to help Papiss Cisse and new boy Emanuel Rivière.

Newcastle are attracted by the idea of buying players cheaply and rebuilding their reputation again, and Carroll fits the bill.

Carroll is almost ready to return from his latest injury blow but his future at high-flying West Ham seems to be limited.

He is due back at the end of October, around a month ahead of schedule. But Newcastle face competition, with a number of clubs aware that the 25-year-old target man could be available in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old frontman is understood to be seen as an impact player now rather than an automatic starter at Upton Park. It follows the explosive impact of £4.7million Diafra Sakho who has scored five goals in his last five games.

World Cup star Enner Valencia has also impressed since his £12million arrival while Mauro Zarate is another option. All three are believed to offer more variety to the Hammers’ play than Carroll.

West Ham have stood by £100,000-a-week Carroll over the past two seasons because of the faith that manager Sam Allardyce had in the striker.

But Carroll scored just two League goals in 15 games after missing half of last season. He was then ruled out for four months after tearing ankle ligaments in July.